Letter: Where has our nation gone astray?

BOBBY BARNESbobby.barnes@staugustinerecord.com

Published Tuesday, January 31, 2006

Editor: Our country was at its zenith following World War II when our leadership, influence, power and prestige were respected by all nations. Sadly, America began a moral free-fall in the 1960s that is continuing today. This free-fall has taken with it a continual loss of prestige and respect throughout the world and has contributed to our nation's problems. Consider the following:

- We lead the world in rapes, muggings and robberies.

- America has more teenage suicides than any other nation.

- America has more convicts in prison than any other nation.

What has happened to our great country? Why are we experiencing the kind of problems that exist today? Where did America get off track?

When one considers events of the last few decades, we see a chronology of a nation that has turned its back on God. Just a decade ago, we were shocked at the decline of moral values in America. Today, it's shocking to realize that nothing "shocks" us anymore.

Despite so much negative news, I believe there are still many good and dedicated leaders in our country who can help turn our nation around if only they rededicate themselves to the Godly principles our country was founded upon. The great patriot Patrick Henry once said:

"Bad men cannot make good citizens. It is impossible that a nation of infidels or idolaters should be a nation of free men. It is when people forget God that tyrants forge their chains. A vitiated state of morals, a corrupt public conscience, are incompatible with freedom. It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists but by Christians, not on religions but on the gospel of Jesus Christ."